Standard Member

I've had the DV88 and Fmj27 and Onkyo 989 (Which I kept) and would not say the FMJ 27 is the best on CD Sound over that of the Onkyo like ReTRO.

I'd say they were on a par although the FMJ does have HDCD but out of a CD collection of 600 CD's and only one is HDCD...I didn't loose anything sticking with the Onkyo and in fact gained a played that consistently gave superior sound and picture without a singal Sound drop out. (Not to this this hasn't been sorted by now by the fine ppl at arcam but FOur MAchines took the biscuit.)

Guest

Only as good as a 92 or 72!!!! so its only around a GBP600 CD player?
I can get the DV27 for GBP 1220 in HK, but I cant demo it...however do you think I would be better to get a TAG CD20R which I can pick up for GBP740 and then spend GBP500 on a DVD player.
(using a integra/onkyo 989 to drive)

Active Member

Just checked the TAG website and, apparently, the latest version of the CDT20-R can be sync-linked with the AV32R:

"Based on our acclaimed CDT20R, our new T2L transport improves on an already excellent product. Using a very high performance transport mechanism, bespoke control software and a high degree of mechanical isolation, discs are read with amazing accuracy.

"'Jitter' is the name given to digital timing errors which result in the harsh and hollow sound often associated with lesser CD players. Now our TAGtronic Link connection gives the flexibility and performance of a external D-A converter along with one of the lowest jitter figures available. By adding the extra timing link, we have ensured that the transport and d-a converter are completely synchronised for the best possible digital timing. When combined with DPA32RDAB or AV32R, CDT20R-T2L gives an amazingly real, three-dimensional and lifelike performance."

Guest

You're right the CDT20R is a transport that can utilise sync-link via T2L, the point I was trying to make is that there is also a CD(No T for transport)20R model that does not have the upgrade path to enable sync-linking, it is also still available. There is a £400 ish difference in the two models.